Coping with Hypothyroidism Labs Anxiety

I’ve had hypothyroidism since age 6 (almost 15 years now) and the exact same thing happened to me! I had a bad experience with a phlebotomist around the age of 10 or 12 and developed intense anxiety about getting my blood drawn. The anxiety caused me to pass out several times. My doctor gave me a prescription for a numbing cream that I would apply 30 minutes before and I used that technique for years! In terms of passing out, make sure you’re very hydrated beforehand and eat a good amount of food (if you are not required to fast). I still get anxiety, but I try to take deep breaths in the chair or ask to lay down while they do it.

yeah, i think that ive just grown to have a fear of needles after numerous bad experiences like them missing my vein and poking me multiple times or fishing around for a vein, which is even worse

I used to be afraid of needles, but since my multiple conditions require me to get blood work done I’ve gotten used to it.(still don’t like the feeling) Are you afraid of needles? Helps to look away and maybe it’s a particular region of ur body you don’t like getting ur blood draw from? My struggle was also they can never find my veins, so I get stabbed multiple times sometimes. Also depending on the expertise on the person doing the blood work, requesting to get the blood work with a phlebotomist helps because they are just better about finding veins in general.

I’m not necessarily scare of needles but I have very small veins and usually ended up getting stuck multiple times because they couldn’t find a good vein and that caused a lot of anxiety for me. Just try to take control of the event as much as you call, ask for a butterfly needle, (it’s smaller and less painful imo), pick which arm they draw from and ask for a snack and a drink afterwards. You can do it!

oh god, i have the biggest fear of fainting and the first few times i went to get blood work done i passed out. it freaked me out so bad that i used to have panic attacks before getting blood work. however, i found that asking to lay down helps A LOT. sometimes if it’s bad i ask my doctor if i can put ice on the back of my neck, which idk what that does but it helps?? also make sure you eat something! very very important! i’ve been doing these things and i haven’t fainted since the first times. best of luck!

Getting blood work done scares me too. I’ve never passed out from it, but I understand the fear. When I get blood work done, I squeeze something in my hand and look away. Usually I’m too embarrassed to bring a stress ball with me, but I’ve found that even tightly holding onto the bottom of shirt or my jacket helps a little. That way is more discreet. You could always do deep breathing while waiting before the blood work. And if after you still don’t feel good, I find playing games on my phone helpful. A lot of people are scared of needles. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’ve had the lab techs give me juice and make me lay down after so I don’t pass out. Maybe you could bring a drink with you so you have something

Yeah I try to remember the names of the ones who have done really well but sometimes I forget lol

I’ve had it happen before being poked many times for lab work. You do not deserve to be a pin cushion. I ask for a butterfly needle and I tell them I have deep rolling veins. It also depends on the experience of the phlebotomist. (Not to put them down at all) If you already know of one who has done it with one stick before, by all means ask for them. If you don’t know of anyone, ask for someone experienced. I would mention the anxiety behind getting lab work done and if they poke too many times, you’ll pass out.

It was getting vasovagal syncope a lot during treatment for a wrist injury and I was told to squeeze my thighs and lay down with my knees up if possible, and to make sure my blood sugar and hydration were stable for the appointment.

I started getting scared in my teen years at around 13 when my anxiety levels were pretty high. And a few years ago the lady who was doing my labs messed up and poked me like 6 times and I was super close to passing out, now I'm afraid that's gonna happen again.

When did you start feeling terrified of going to get your labs done? Was there any specific moment that triggered it?